VEGANuary Challenge

In September 2011 on a flight to Jamaica to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary I brought with me a book many of you have probably heard of. It's been around for some time now, Skinny Bitch. I had acquired it for a $1 at a local flea market ......

.....Rewind a few years back: 

A friend of mine had read Skinny Bitch, when the book first came out a few years ago, and she completely changed her eating habits afterwards. This was during the time where I had just started practicing yoga....and really had not quite tapped into the relationship between food and it's effects on my body (other than too much food = weight gain). I respected her choice to change her eating habits, but didn't really want to know why (primarily because I was 'afraid' to learn...for 'fear' that I would 'need' to make changes to my diet too). You know the saying, Ignorance is Bliss. So, when I saw this book at the flea market....something clicked inside and I was ready to read it.

....Fast forward to the flight home from Jamaica....the conversation went something like:

Me: I think I want to stop eating meat. Go Vegetarian. Want to do this with me?

Husband: I knew I shouldn't have let you buy that book (said in a lovingly...oh boy what is she going to make me do voice).

Me: You should really read it! Plus...it was only $1

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In all seriousness....The book in my opinion is a bit over the top in it's approach and wording. It's quite IN YOUR FACE. Although, I really think it needs to be. Food is a serious topic; as is tradition, habit, family recipes.....and the taste of your favorite meals.  

In 2012 both my husband and I 'went vegetarian'. We stopped eating meat, 'cold turkey' - HA! couldn't resist. We transitioned to vegetarians with a few exceptions early on as we were 'figuring' out how to not eat meat at restaurants, with friends, etc. 

Many people ask why? 

In the beginning.....I have to admit I was entirely influenced by the information shared in Skinny Bitch and in the few tid bits of information I had picked up along the way from the news, articles, friends and acquaintances I had met that were vegetarians.....but a year later, I feel I am in a more knowledgeable place from a year of experience and more confident in my decision. 

The process is just that. It's a journey, a transition, a continuous learning adventure. It's moments of reflection and revisiting habits and embracing the fruits (and veggies & grains) of this earth. A glimpse into why I choose to continue this adventure:

• Health --> helps me choose healthy eating habits
• Compassionate Eating --> has helped me think about the source of my food & choose to NOT contribute or support inhuman behavior
• Realizing Food is Energy --> what foods contribute to long lasting energy vs fizzle out fast energy
• Body, Food, Mind connection --> how certain foods help me feel great for hours inside & out....and learning that other's don't
• Love Affair with Food --> Thanks to my hubby who is the primary chef in the house, we've explored foods I've never had before...and new concoctions of flavors that are quite scrumptious. 2012 was full of the best food I ever ate. 

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This adventure for me has initially only been about food and my intake of food....recently, I've started to think about what does Vegan/Vegetarian mean for other aspects of my life. Such as where I shop for clothes and makeup. This year, I've chosen to:

• Make more mindful purchases
• Bring in more vintage pieces (re-use/re-cycle)
• Research Vegan makeup and clothing options
• Kick start this year with VEGANuary

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January's Challenge = VEGANuary

• Simple Eating
• Embrace Whole Foods
• Choose to not eat any animal products

If you are vegan, vegetarian .... or just interested in learning and sharing your thoughts. I'd love for you join me on facebook. Share your recipes, favorite vegan products, etc. 

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If you have ever thought about changing your diet, or even just learning more about why Vegetarian or Vegan is an option. Some great resources:

• Currently reading and my favorite so far: Main Street Vegan  - she takes a sensitive approach to explaining Vegan lifestyle, providing excellent real life examples and yummy recipes

• 21 day Vegan Challenge - Going on Right Now - Sign up here (this is what my husband and I did last January to learn about what foods to buy and get great recipe ideas)

• Skinny Bitch - talks about the chemicals in food products today, the inhumane animal treatment, how the body reacts to certain man made produced foods

• NonchalentVegan ~ Great Recipes (I know from personal experience) & reviews of veg options at a few restaurants around town and the U.S.